Do you have a Century Farm?

Details announced on popular programs, special offer on plat book

This week, I get to announce details about three very popular programs hosted by University of Missouri Extension. One is a special offer, while the other two are popular annual events that the Greene County Extension Center has already started receiving phone calls about.

Century farms

If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1913, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm.

To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 8,000 century farms have been recognized.

For applications received by May 1, a $65 fee covers the cost of a certificate, farm sign and booklet for approved applicants. For application forms and information, call Extension Publications at 1-800-292-0969 or visit the website at extension.missouri.edu/ centuryfarm.

Plat books

The last remaining 2011 "Greene County Plat Books" are for sale at the Greene County Extension office at clearance prices.

The book contains traditional landownership maps by township, landowner index for easy cross referencing, new aerial photography for each township, rural city maps and a handy school district map. The book makes it possible for a person to locate all land owners in portions of Greene County.

Originally sold for $40 in 2011, the books are now being sold for $30 when picked up at the Greene County Extension Center located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave. in Springfield.

To order by mail, you must send a check for $35 to the same address.

Grazing schools

Several Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) Schools are planned for southwest Missouri during 2013. Started in 1995 as a regional program, the grazing schools are held at various locations, dates and formats to meet the diverse needs of area livestock producers.

To date, thousands of individuals have attended the schools to learn about the basic principles and practices of MiG. The schools have also helped livestock producers qualify for thousands of dollars in various cost-share programs through NRCS or FSA.

Registration forms and fees can be obtained at the NRCS office on Highway B in Springfield or by contacting Mark Green at 417-831-5246.